Creating My Own Path

Leland

I initially chose to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree because I originally wanted to attend law school. I was at an abrupt period in my life when I was taking a break from school and wondered if getting an associate’s or going to community college was better for me. I think saving money and taking classes more intentionally by attending community college is good. You’re not surrounded by institutional pressure as much compared to going to a flagship and R1 institution.

I decided to return to UofI because I know I want to attend the Kennedy School of Government and receive my Master’s in Public Policy there after I graduate from Illinois. With the research and professors in my reach, I know I can get to HKS with the academic opportunities that come with Illinois over my local community college. My particular interests include gender parity and health care policy, which are vital areas in which the Communications and Political Science department can help me go in-depth through research.

Although I gripe about rising tuition costs and the lack of community at a big institution, I would rather be here than in a city or commuter school. I appreciate the “bubble” that UIUC establishes for its students, which is likely thought of as a greenhouse to provide a safe space to learn, grow, and build confidence before entering the real world. My time off showed me that it is ever more important to clearly define what my job/career means to me. Otherwise, my employer will define it for me.

 

Transitioning from Psychology to Nursing

Jasmine

I have always been fascinated by the human mind and behavior, which led me to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I spent years studying the intricacies of the human psyche and honing my skills in understanding and helping people navigate their emotional challenges. However, during my second year of college, as I experienced my own health problems, I realized that I wanted to make an even greater impact on the lives of my patients. It was then that I decided to embark on a new journey, pursuing a master’s degree in nursing.

Transitioning from psychology to nursing was no small feat. I had to immerse myself in a new world of medical knowledge and patient care. However, my background in psychology proved to be a valuable asset as I brought a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological aspects of health care to my nursing practice. With my unique combination of skills, I can provide holistic care to my patients, addressing both their physical and emotional needs. This experience has confirmed that my decision to pursue a master’s in nursing was the right one.

 

Awareness is Key

Kenyetta

I received my bachelor’s degree in social work from Southwest Minnesota State University, where I majored in social work with minors in psychology and criminal justice. Initially uncertain about my career path, I was sure about my desire to help people and found joy in doing so. With a social work degree, various options opened up for me in the workforce. I chose child welfare as a starting point, recognizing that working in this field would provide the experience needed for other areas of social work.

Choosing this career path led to valuable opportunities. Reflecting on my journey, I believe that improving career pathways, aside from college education, involves better awareness. At times, certain opportunities appeared to be accessible only to a select group, with others unaware of them. Enhancing awareness could make these opportunities more accessible and inclusive.

 

College to Career 

Ness

I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies. It was quite a journey, especially considering I initially entered school with a major in Music Education. I know I’m not alone in changing my mind and major along the way, but my decision to do so led me to accumulate enough credits for two different bachelor’s degrees. I even added a fifth year of school, and looking back, I’m happy with the decision I made for myself.

While I love music, I realized I didn’t want to be in the same classroom for the rest of my life. I craved variety and wanted to make a more immediate impact on social justice. Despite appreciating my teachers and the impact they had on me, I felt drawn to social studies classes over the teaching curriculum. The 2016 election, especially impactful for me as a queer and closeted trans person, prompted a desire to be directly involved in the movement for change. My interest in politics was reignited as a passion, leading me to switch majors—undoubtedly one of the best decisions I could have made.

Switching to Political Science allowed me to meet like-minded individuals and engage in discussions with those holding opposing viewpoints. I fast-tracked my last year and a half of school with Political Science classes, ensuring I graduated on a timeline that made me happy. Fortunately, my military service and the Illinois National Guard grant provided another year of free tuition, making it possible for me to finish school without financial concerns.

This decision opened doors for internships with local campaigns and involvement in student groups and organizations. These experiences were crucial for my personal growth and understanding of my field. In my last full year of school, I joined a trip to Tennessee through the Leaders of Social Change organization, an experience that became a highlight of my college career.

After graduation, I secured more campaign internships and delved into non-profit organizations. While I acknowledge these experiences were facilitated by my university degree, I believe such opportunities could benefit individuals in various fields, not just those pursuing a 4-year degree. I am a firm believer that apprenticeships, with improved networking opportunities, could provide valuable experiences and build a community for individuals starting their careers. Whether enrolled in school or not, everyone deserves access to these enriching experiences and a supportive community.

 

An Alternative Route 

Darryl

While I’m not pursuing an associate’s degree or a certificate myself, I can certainly provide insights into the value of such pathways. Many individuals opt for associate’s degrees or certificates to acquire specific skills and qualifications, leading to valuable career opportunities without the time and financial commitment of a four-year degree. These pathways are particularly attractive to those with clear career goals or an interest in fields requiring specialized training.

In my case, I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in statistics. This aligns with my passion for mathematics and statistics, opening up diverse job prospects in fields such as finance, medicine, and business where data analysis and statistical skills are highly sought after. For individuals not pursuing a traditional four-year degree, enhancing career pathways often involves investing in trade programs, certifications, and skill development opportunities aligned with the specific industry they aim to enter. This alternative route enables them to gain valuable skills and access rewarding career opportunities while avoiding the costs and time associated with a more extensive educational pathway.

 

Shift in Career Aspirations 

Karlie

I did obtain an associate’s degree in criminal justice, although it didn’t necessarily guide me toward a specific career path. My decision to pursue an associate’s degree was influenced by a shift in my career aspirations, and I initially opted for a community college because my GPA wasn’t high enough for direct entry into a university after high school. Upon moving to Chicago, I faced residency restrictions that prevented me from enrolling in a city college, leading me to join a private community college. However, the experience proved to be quite challenging for me.

Reflecting on my journey, it’s difficult to determine the impact of the system on my career pathways, given the changes in my career goals. Nevertheless, I believe making trade programs or associate programs more affordable would be an ideal improvement.

 

Addressing the Wider Issues

Will

I’ve had the privilege of attending college, and one thing that significantly enriched my experience was realizing how institutions can be unhelpful if not directly applied to the community. Throughout college, I collaborated with Free Street Theatre, Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health, and the Chicago Center for HIV Elimination. Each of these experiences involved directing, teaching, organizing, or interning with the aim of providing practical career experience, and they all offered at least a stipend. While the commitment was substantial, with minimal downtime, I could sustain myself while working on issues I deeply cared about.

It was surprising to me that not everyone was engaging in similar experiences. However, as a recovering adult from burnout, I’ve come to realize the true cost of such “dedication.” I believe experiential programs are essential in any field for progress. By providing access to individuals who might otherwise be excluded, you gain new perspectives. Each person is an expert in their own experiences and should be compensated as a consultant for sharing them. There needs to be a significant cultural shift in the workforce. When I was coming up, the narrative was that I had to be 1000% committed to institutions, hoping that someone would notice and add me to their team. From my experience, much of that commitment involves coddling leadership’s emotions and validating outdated practices. We need to foster trust and security that communicates our value for new voices and ideas, aiming to cultivate better practices rather than assimilating people into existing structures.

On a final note, I firmly believe that housing and food security are human rights. Many workplaces fear that employees are solely seeking to extract money from the establishment. Everyone needs a job, and this is reasonable. If, on a broader scale, we address issues like housing, food, water, and safety, workforces can improve because individuals won’t have to rely solely on employment for survival. This shift could lead to a focus on improving people’s lives rather than solely pursuing profit.